In a significant leap for sustainable food technology, The EVERY Company, formerly known as Clara Foods, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing capacity and launch its pioneering animal-free egg proteins with multinational food companies within the year. Founded by Arturo Elizondo and David Anchel in late 2014, the startup has made waves in the industry with its impressive $233 million fundraising efforts. While this figure is substantial, it pales in comparison to the $840 million raised by Perfect Day for its animal-free dairy products. However, The EVERY Company has taken a more conservative approach, focusing on strategic partnerships and lean operations rather than large-scale in-house production or consumer brand launches.
Scaling Up for the Future
Elizondo, who has attracted investments from notable names like Anne Hathaway and entities such as Bloom8, McWin Food Systems Fund, and Temasek, emphasizes the company’s frugal use of funds, which has left them with ample runway to grow. The company’s immediate priorities for 2024 include onboarding additional manufacturing capacity and getting products onto shelves. This will begin with the introduction of EVERY Protein and EVERY Egg White to multinational partners, followed by a foray into foodservice with EVERY Egg, a liquid whole egg alternative.
The company has acknowledged that production is currently limited, reserving metric tons of product for pilot trials with committed partners. Elizondo hints at upcoming announcements regarding partnerships with multinational companies, signaling a new phase of growth and market penetration.
Innovation Driven by Necessity
The technology behind EVERY’s products involves engineering yeast strains to express proteins found in eggs through precision fermentation. The process, which has received ‘no questions’ letters from the FDA regarding its safety, results in proteins that are secreted into the fermentation broth and then extracted through a simple filtration process. The final products do not contain genetically engineered yeast and are not classified as ‘bioengineered’ under US labeling laws.
The EVERY Company has developed four main ingredients: EVERY Protein, a highly soluble protein ideal for beverages; EVERY EggWhite, a versatile egg white replacer; EVERY Egg, a comprehensive liquid egg substitute; and EVERY Pepsin, an animal-free enzyme option. The focus on functional alternatives to conventional egg products is driven by the food industry’s need for stable pricing and supply, particularly in light of challenges such as avian flu outbreaks.
The Functional Edge
Elizondo asserts that the company’s products are designed to meet the functional needs of manufacturers rather than solely appealing to vegan consumers. The EVERY Egg White, for example, offers consistency and performance that can surpass conventional egg whites, which often suffer from batch variability and seasonal differences. This functional advantage is key to the company’s strategy, as it offers an alternative to more expensive egg options like free-range or organic, without compromising on performance.
Proving the Technology at Scale
While The EVERY Company has not yet reached the price point to compete with the cheapest eggs on the market, it can hold its own against premium egg categories. Elizondo is confident that with increased scale, the cost of goods sold (COGS) will decrease, allowing the company to compete directly with conventional battery-caged eggs. The company has already demonstrated the scalability of its technology, regularly producing in large fermenters and generating metric tons of product.
Recently, The EVERY Company showcased its EVERY Egg at an exclusive event at Eleven Madison Park, a 3-star Michelin restaurant, signaling its readiness for high-end culinary applications. However, the challenge remains to increase manufacturing capacity to meet the burgeoning demand for these innovative products.
A Strategic Approach to Manufacturing
To address production demands, The EVERY Co is working with several contract manufacturers, primarily located overseas. This strategy allows the company to scale up without the immediate need for in-house production facilities, a move that aligns with its lean business model and focus on strategic growth.
As The EVERY Company prepares to bring its groundbreaking products to a wider market, the food industry watches with anticipation. The implications for sustainability, animal welfare, and supply chain resilience are significant, and The EVERY Company’s trajectory suggests a transformative shift in how we approach the production and consumption of one of the most fundamental ingredients in our diets: the egg.